Enhanced electrochemical performance of lithium-rich layered oxide cathodes by a facile self-template method for lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-rich layered oxide cathode material Li1.2Ni0.13Co0.13Mn0.54O2 has been successfully synthesized via a self-template method followed with sol-gel reaction, microspheres consisting of three-dimensional (3D) nanothorn MnO2 are used as the template and Mn source. The as-prepared sample (denoted as LNCM-T) exhibits well-layered structure and high crystallinity, which is confirmed by XRD and HRTEM. The results of electrochemical performances show that the LNCM-T sample has excellent high-rate capability with a discharge capacity of 159.7 mA h g−1 at a current density of 1250 mA g−1. Besides, it delivers a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 84.3% with a discharge capacity of 243.8 mA h g−1 at room temperature. The remarkable cycling stability and excellent rate capability of LNCM-T sample are ascribed to the enhanced layered structural stability, short lithium-ion diffusion path and reduced charge transfer resistance. •A novel cathode material are synthesized through a facile route.•The sample LNCM-T showed improved initial Coulombic efficiency and remarkable rate capability.•The sample LNCM-T with nanometer particle size showed excellent dynamic performance.